MOLE Valley’s top policeman is stepping down this week after a career with Surrey Police which has spanned more than 30 years.

John Tadman has been the district’s neighbourhood inspector for three years after previous roles as a local officer, a CID detective, with the firearms and VIP protection team, and then moving back to Mole Valley to oversee the area’s policing.

He took over in May 2007 at the age of 46, admitting at the time it was a job he had his heart set on for a while.

His work has included spearheading campaigns to reduce the amount of car crime, particularly thefts from vehicles in the district's rural car parks, and to prevent people becoming victims of purse-snatching in town centres.

Mole Valley’s first No Cold Calling Zone was also launched during his time in charge, in a bid to cut the number of distraction burglaries targeting older people in particular.

Insp Tadman said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my career with Surrey Police and am retiring after 31 years with the force.

"I have been fortunate enough to hold a variety of roles although I have gone full circle and end my career where it began, working in neighbourhood policing.”

“I have been lucky enough to work with some excellent sergeants and officers, all of whom are dedicated and hard-working.

“I have also worked with some lovely people at our partner agencies including local councillors, county councillors and Mole Valley Housing Association, to name but a few.”

Replacing Insp Tadman will be mother-of-one Terri Poulton, who has worked with Surrey Police for 12-and-a-half-years.

Insp Poulton lives in the district with her partner and four-year-old daughter, and has been shadowing her predecessor in recent weeks to learn about her new role.

“I would like to thank John for all his hard work and for working with me during our transitional handover period,” she said.

“John is clearly committed to this community and has gone the extra mile to make sure that I have the tools and contacts I need to hit the ground running."

Insp Poulton started her career in Dorking completing her probation, and said it was “really exciting to be back” in an area where a lot of familiar faces remain as part of the safer neighbourhood team.

She spoke of some of the major areas she will be working on.

“I am looking forward to the challenges ahead which include tackling cross-border crime, improving awareness of crime prevention methods to reduce opportunistic thefts and continuing to increase your confidence in us by ensuring we are accessible to you," she said.